How Can I Get Wallpaper & Border Off My Walls?

Scraping will help you to remove old wallpaper.

Wallpaper is often used as a decorative enhancement to instantly add style and character to the walls of any room. Wallpaper contains an adhesive on one side that sticks to the wall, which makes it easy to apply to any surface. If you decide you no longer like the look of the wallpaper or the wallpaper is slowly starting to peel off your wall and you want to remove it, you can do so with a hand steamer.

Things You'll Need

• Steamer
• Scraper or razor blade
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Steam the wallpaper and borders using a hand steamer. Work in 1-foot increments. The steam melts the adhesive of the wallpaper, making it much easier to remove.

2. Lift the edges and borders of the wallpaper using a scraper or razor blade.

3. Peel the wallpaper from the wall. Gently pull from one corner. If you feel any resistance, steam the area again to soften the glue on the back of the paper.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 until all wallpaper and borders are removed from your walls.

5. Mix a liquid cleaner or detergent with warm water and fabric conditioner if you don't have a steamer. Put the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray the wallpaper generously and allow the liquid to soak in before you start scraping.

6. Wipe down the wall with a moistened sponge once all wallpaper is removed. The sponge helps to remove any remaining glue on the walls.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when using a metal scraper or razor blade to remove wallpaper to ensure you are not cutting or scratching through the wall beneath the paper.

References

• Sophisticated Edge: How to Remove Old Wallpaper